Configurable antenna element

Abstract

A configurable antenna element comprises a conductor encased in a foam substrate with a pressure sensitive adhesive applied to a surface of the foam substrate for application of the configurable antenna to a surface.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A configurable antenna element comprising:
 a conductor having an encased portion that is encased in a foam substrate; and 
 a pressure sensitive adhesive applied to a surface of the foam substrate for application of the configurable antenna to a surface; 
 the conductor having an end portion that extends from the foam substrate for attachment to an electrical device. 
 
     
     
       2. The configurable antenna of  claim 1 , wherein the conductor is constructed of a standard metal/wire antenna element. 
     
     
       3. The configurable antenna of  claim 1 , wherein the foam substrate is of the type of material that is a Buzz, Squeak and Rattle (“BSR”) material which is used to dampen noise is a vehicle. 
     
     
       4. The configurable antenna of  claim 3 , wherein the BSR material includes cellular foam or EPDM. 
     
     
       5. The configurable antenna of  claim 1 , wherein a removable liner is applied to and protects the pressure sensitive adhesive until the configurable antenna element is ready for installation. 
     
     
       6. A vehicle body panel having a configurable antenna disposed therein comprising:
 a conductor having an encased portion that is encased in a foam substrate; and 
 a pressure sensitive adhesive applied to a surface of the foam substrate for application of the configurable antenna to the vehicle body panel; 
 the conductor having an end portion that extends from the foam substrate for attachment to an electrical device. 
 
     
     
       7. The vehicle body panel of  claim 6 , wherein the conductor is constructed of a standard metal/wire antenna element. 
     
     
       8. The vehicle body panel of  claim 6 , wherein the foam substrate is of the type of material that is a Buzz, Squeak and Rattle (“BSR”) material which is used to dampen noise is a vehicle. 
     
     
       9. The vehicle body panel of  claim 8 , wherein the BSR material includes cellular foam or EPDM. 
     
     
       10. The vehicle body panel of  claim 6 , wherein a removable liner is applied to and protects the pressure sensitive adhesive until the configurable antenna element is ready for installation. 
     
     
       11. The vehicle body panel of  claim 6 , wherein molded guides or channels are integrally located in an underbody surface thereof for application of the configurable antenna thereto. 
     
     
       12. The vehicle body panel of  claim 6 , wherein the end portion of the conductor is utilized as a transition to a Coax cable or a connector for attachment to an audio amplifier.